Main Entry: ker·chief

Pronunciation: \ˈkər-chəf, -ˌchēf\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural kerchiefs \-chəfs, -ˌchēfs\ also ker·chieves \-ˌchēvz\

Etymology: Middle English courchef, from Anglo-French coverchef, cuerchief, from coverir to cover + chef head — more at chief

Date: 13th century

1 : a square of cloth used as a head covering or worn as a scarf around the neck
2 : handkerchief 1

— ker·chiefed \-chəft, -ˌchēft\ adjective